North East India Top Holiday Destinations You Must Visit

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A narrow corridor squeezed between Nepal and Bangladesh is often neglected by many Indians and international visitors but the Seven Sister States can offer you much more than you expect. There are many backpackers that love to explore the not so popular destinations here because these holiday destinations are cheaper and they do not attract much crowd. However, gradually the trend has changed and there are many travelers that explore the untouched natural beauty of the North East India.

Gangtok

Gangtok has always remained one of the top cities in the North East India for trade and religion importance but Gangtok is gradually turning into top destinations in North East India that you must not miss out. The city is full of stupas, gompas, parks and gardens and you will find Buddhist culture here everywhere. So, what do you find here that you won’t find in any other city around the world? Well, it’s clean, smoke and dust free and surprisingly has disciplined traffic system which is hard to find in India, trust me, I am an Indian and I know about Indian traffic lot better. When you are in Gangtok don’t miss out locations like Tsomgo Lake which is also one of the holy lakes of the locals. If you enjoy wildlife, Himalyan Zoological Park is the place you should check out. Other top attractions in Gangtok are Changu Lake, Rumtek Monastery, Tashi Viewpoint, Nathula Pass, and Deer Park. You can shop lot of handloom and handicrafts at Lal Bazaar and on M.G. Road. The best way to reach Gangtok is to share a jeep from Siliguri which takes around 5 hours drive. You can also access Gangtok from New Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling, and Kalimpong.

Pelling

 

If you want to escape in the snow clad Himalyan mountain ranges Pelling is the place to be. This city was the first capital of Sikkim and it offers a great view of the Kachenjunga mountains. Many trekkers come here because Pelling serves a base camp for many trekkers. Here you will also find many Buddhist monasteries that offer better meditation classes. Do visit Pemayangtse Monastery which is the oldest monastery here in Sikkim. If you love waterfalls and natural landscapes try Rimbi waterfalls and Rabdengtse Ruins, Changey waterfalls, and Kanchenjunga Falls and Kaluk. One can buy lot of handicrafts, woolen garments, and bamboo based products. There are plenty of accommodation options here for tourists so you can choose hotels based on your budget. Avoid visiting Pelling from June to August during monsoons as it can ruin your holiday experience. The best way to get to Pelling is through Gangtok and Siliguri.

Ravangla

 

If you travel towards the southern side of Sikkim you will find Ravangla which is an ideal destination for adventure lovers. The best city is located between Maenam Hill and Tendong Hill. From Ravangla you can have a great look at some of the high peaks like Kanchenjunga, Mount Pandim, Mount Sinialchu and Mount Kabru. When you are here you must visit some attractions like Temi Tea Estate, Shiva Mandir, Tendong Hill, Maenam Hill, and of course the highly popular Rayong Sunrise View Point to get the panoramic view of Ravangla. Enjoy some shopping at the old historic market of Kewzing. There are many hotels here so accommodation won’t be a problem at all. The best way to reach Ravangla is through train as the New Jalpaiguri station is nearby and you can also use the roadways from Gangtok.

Tawang

 

In the middle of Arunachal Pradesh lies Tawang that offers breathtaking views and landscapes that surely need to keep on your list. The beautiful mountains, old monasteries and better agriculture make Tawang one of the recommended tourist destinations in North East India. When you are here do visit Tawang War Memorial, Tawang Monastery, Sela Pass, Bap Teng Kang Waterfalls, Sela Peak, and Craft Center. The best time to visit Tawang is from July to October. However, make sure you have better transport options as Tawang has limited connectivity.

Namchi

 

Namchi literally means at the top of the sky and there is no doubt that this place can make you feel that way. If you are passionate about nature Namchi offers you a lifetime experience that won’t find anywhere else. From rare annual flower shows to culture and food festival Namchi offers you a lot more. When you are here take a look at the Samdruptse that has the largest statue in the world of Guru Rinpoche also known as Guru Padmasambhava. Other top attractions here are Helipad, Rock Garden, and Ralong Monastery. Namchi is well connected through rail, road and airways so you can access it easily. There are many hotels and resorts here to offer you better accommodation. Namchi is one of the rare Indian destinations where cigarettes and gutkhas are not allowed so please be aware of it.